Viewing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A viewing apparatus ( 106 ) for a rifle scope ( 104 ), the viewing apparatus comprising a camera unit ( 108 ) having a camera and attachment means operable to attach the camera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image to which it is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image data from the camera to a display unit ( 110 ), the display unit comprising display means being arranged and operable to display the image data received from the camera unit, the display unit further comprising attachment means ( 140 ) operable to attach the display unit to a rifle scope.

The present invention relates to a viewing apparatus for a rifle scopeand a rifle scope assembly comprising the viewing apparatus.

Rifle scopes are well known in the art and in their simplest formcomprise a scope tube having a magnifying lens toward a first end and aneyepiece at a second end through which a user looks. In use, the tube ofthe rifle scope is aligned with a barrel of the rifle to allow a user tosee, via the eyepiece and lens, a magnified view of where the rifle isaimed, thereby allowing for increased accuracy in shooting the rifle.The scope often comprises a reticle or “crosshairs” to indicate to auser the exact point where the rifle is aimed.

Rifles are often required to be used in conditions of low ambient light.This is particularly the case where the rifle is used for vermin controlof predominantly nocturnal animals, such as rats. A more complicatedscope assembly, particularly useful in low ambient light situations, maycomprise infrared viewing technology, known as “night vision”. In suchtechnology, the scope is fitted with an infrared illuminator and animage intensifying tube to intensify the detected infrared light. Thisallows a user to look down the scope and see an image intensified by theintensifying tube, which appears to a user as an illumated view of anapparently dark scene.

However, while such a night vision system may be used in conditions oflow ambient light, this system has several significant drawbacks.Firstly, such a system is very difficult to install and calibrate on arifle, not least of all because calibration is required to be undertakenin conditions of high ambient light, which can irreparably damage theintensifying tube. Also, since a user may wish to use the night visionscope alternatively with a conventional ambient light scope, it isnecessary to switch rifle scopes, thereby requiring a user to undergoinstallation and recalibration every time the alternative scope isfitted. A further drawback is that night vision systems are very costly.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide asolution to the above mentioned or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aviewing apparatus for a rifle scope, the viewing apparatus comprising acamera unit having a camera and attachment means operable to attach thecamera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an imagevisible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope, the camera being adapted togenerate image data from the image to which it is exposed, the cameraunit being arranged and operable to transfer the image data from thecamera to a display unit, the display unit comprising display meansbeing arranged and operable to display the image data received from thecamera unit, the display unit further comprising attachment meansoperable to attach the display unit to a rifle scope.

Preferably, the attachment means of the camera unit is operable toattach the camera unit over an eyepiece of a rifle scope. Preferably,the attachment means of the camera unit comprises a gaiter operable tofit over an eyepiece of a rifle scope. Preferably, the camera unitcomprises a housing unit in which the camera is housed. Preferably, thecamera unit is arranged and operable to fit over an eyepiece of a riflescope such that the camera is aimed down a tube of a rifle scope.

Preferably, the camera is an infrared camera. By the term “infraredcamera” it is meant a camera that is sensitive to infrared light.

The camera is preferably arranged and operable to relay an imagedetected at an eyepiece of a rifle scope to the display unit.Preferably, the camera is operable to generate dynamic image data. Inother words, preferably the image data is not static imagery, but a livefeed of moving imagery viewed by the camera.

Preferably, the viewing apparatus comprises means to allow the imagedata to be recorded by an image recording device. The means may comprisean interface which may be a wired or wireless interface. The interfacemay comprise a socket into which a recording device may be plugged. Thesocket may be a 3.5 mm jack socket, for example. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, the viewing apparatus comprises a video output socket. Themeans to allow the image data to be recorded by an image recordingdevice may be situated on the camera unit or the display unit. The meansto allow the image data to be recorded by an image recording device isoperable to allow the output of dynamic image data.

Preferably, the display unit comprises a screen.

Preferably, the attachment means of the display unit is arranged toallow attachment of the display unit above a rifle scope in use,preferably above a scope tube thereof, preferably toward an end thereofdistal to an eyepiece.

Preferably, the viewing apparatus further comprises illumination means.The illumination means may comprise infrared illumination means. Theillumination means may comprise a plurality of infrared emitting bulbs.

By the term “infrared illumination means” it is meant a device operableto emit infrared light.

In one embodiment, the illumination means may be integral with thedisplay unit. Preferably, the illumination means is housed in thedisplay unit, preferably in a face thereof, which face is preferablygenerally opposite a face in which the screen is housed.

The viewing apparatus may comprise illumination varying means, operableto vary the intensity of the illumination means, in use. Theillumination varying means may be continuously or discretely variable.

In one embodiment, the illumination varying means may be discretelyvariable between a plurality of predetermined intensities. One of thepredetermined intensities may be zero, wherein the illumination means isin an “off” state.

The viewing apparatus may comprise means to switch the screen of thedisplay unit between an “on” position and an “off” position.

In one embodiment, the means to switch the screen of the display unitbetween an “on” position and an “off” position may be combined with theillumination varying means. In such an embodiment, the means maycomprise a plurality of discrete positions. The means may comprise arotatable dial, for example. In such an embodiment, the means maycomprise a number of discrete modes, as follows: i) screen off,illumination means off; ii) screen on, illumination means off; iii)screen on, illumination means on at a first predetermined intensity; iv)screen on, illumination means on at a second predetermined intensity;etc.

The illumination means may be operable to illuminate to a predetermineddistance, depending on the use of the viewing apparatus. For example, inone embodiment, for a rifle that is designed to shoot a target at about50 yards, the illumination means may be operable to illuminate to aposition about 50 yards away. However, in alternative embodiment, therifle may be designed to shoot a target at about 200 yards, in whichcase, the illumination means may be operable to illuminate to a positionabout 200 yards away

The viewing apparatus may further comprise a power supply, preferablyoperable to supply power to the camera unit and/or display unit. Thepower supply may comprise a 12V DC power supply.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda rifle scope assembly comprising a rifle scope having a scope tubecomprising an eyepiece, the assembly further comprising a viewingapparatus having a camera unit comprising a camera, the camera unitbeing attached to the rifle scope via attachment means such that thecamera is exposed to an image visible at the eyepiece of the riflescope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image towhich is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable totransfer the image data from the camera to the display unit, theassembly further comprising a display unit being attached to the riflescope via attachment means, the display unit comprising display meansbeing arranged and operable to display the image data received from thecamera unit.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of shooting a rifle, the method comprising using imagedata displayed on display means of a display unit, the display unitbeing attached to a rifle scope via attachment means, the image databeing transferred to the display unit from a camera unit, the cameraunit comprising a camera, the camera unit being attached to the riflescope via attachment means such that the camera is exposed to an imagevisible at an eyepiece of the rifle scope, the image data beinggenerated by the camera.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda viewing apparatus kit comprising a camera unit having a camera andattachment means, the attachment means being operable to attach thecamera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an imagevisible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope; the kit further comprising adisplay unit comprising display means and attachment means operable toattach the display unit to a rifle scope.

The present invention also extends to a rifle fitted with a viewingapparatus or a rifle scope assembly of the first or second aspect. Therifle is preferably an air rifle.

The present inventors have also invented a hand held viewing device,which can be used when accompanying a rifle holder for identifyingtargets, or in other arenas of security and covert viewing.

Therefore, according to a further aspect of the present invention thereis provided a hand held viewing device comprising a housing, the housingcomprising a camera unit, a display unit and infrared illuminationmeans, the display unit being operable to display image data detected bythe camera unit, the device further comprising a handle to thereby allowthe device to be hand held, in use.

Preferably, the camera unit and the display unit are arranged ondifferent faces of the housing, preferably substantially opposite facesof the housing.

Preferably, the infrared illumination means are arranged and operable toilluminate an area with infrared light.

Preferably, the camera unit comprises a camera that is preferablyoperable to detect infra red light.

Features of the viewing apparatus described above in relation to thefirst aspect may be combined with the viewing device of the presentaspect.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of theabove aspects and in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a rifle scope assembly;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a display unit of a viewing apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic exploded view of a camera unit of a viewingapparatus;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a hand held viewing deviceaccording to the invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a schematic front view of a hand held viewing deviceaccording to the invention.

Referring firstly to FIG. 1 there is shown a rifle scope assembly 102comprising a rifle scope 104 known in the art, fitted with a viewingapparatus 106 of the invention. The viewing apparatus 106 comprises acamera unit 108 fitted to an end of the rifle scope 104 and a displayunit 110 fitted above a tube 109 of the scope 104. The rifle scope 104comprises securing means 105 operable to allow it to be secured to thebarrel of a rifle (not shown).

In more detail and referring now also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera unit108 comprises a cylindrical attachment gaiter 112, which is fitted overan eyepiece 114 of the scope 104. At a rear side of the attachmentgaiter 112, distal to the eyepiece 114, is a camera housing 116. Thecamera housing 116 is generally circular in cross section and houses acamera board 120 and a camera board lens inside an alignment tube 122 ata central point therof such that, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 1,the camera lens 118 is aligned coaxially with a longitudinal axis of thescope 104. In this manner, the camera lens 118 points down the length ofthe scope 104 and is arranged to detect the view that a user would seewhen looking down the eyepiece 114 of the scope 104.

The camera unit 108 communicates data received by the camera (the viewfrom the eyepiece) to the display unit 110 via a cable 124. However, itwill be appreciated that such communication could be wireless. Also,power is transmitted from the camera unit 108 to the display unit 106via the cable 124.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the display unit 110 comprises a housing 126having a circular aperture 128 on one face and a generally rectangularaperture 130 on an opposite face. Into the rectangular aperture 130 isfitted a display screen 132. In a preferred embodiment, the displayscreen 132 comprises an LCD screen, such as a 3.5 inch LCD colourscreen. Into the circular aperture 128 is fitted an illuminator circuitboard 134, an illuminator device 136 and a cover 138. The illuminatordevice 136 comprises a plurality of infrared emitting LEDs. The cover138 is hingably attached to a rim of the circular aperture 128, andoperable to move between an open and closed position as indicated by thearrow “X” in FIG. 1. The cover 138 has a small central aperture 139. Thedisplay unit 110 is attached above the rifle scope 104 by a clip 140.

The illuminator circuit board 134 comprises a photo cell thereon whichis operable to detect the ambient light conditions and switch theillumination device 136 on (in low ambient light conditions) and off (inhigh ambient light conditions).

The scope assembly 102 also comprises a power source 142 in the form ofa battery, which in the present embodiment is a separate unit attachedto the camera unit 108 via a power cable 144. In the present embodiment,the power supply 142 is a 12V DC battery having a belt clip to allow auser to attach the device to their belt.

In use, the viewing apparatus operates as follows. A user attaches theviewing apparatus 106 to the scope 104 of their rifle (not shown) byfitting the gaiter 112 of the camera unit 108 over the eyepiece of therifle scope 104 and attaching the display unit 110 onto the scope 104 ata position above a scope tube of the scope and toward an end thereofdistal to the eyepiece. The power supply 142 is attached to the cameraunit 108 via cable 144, and cable 124 is attached between the cameraunit and the display unit.

The camera 118 is exposed to and detects the view through the eyepiece,which it relays via cable 124 to the display unit 110 and the imageproduced by the camera 118 is reproduced on the screen 132. In thismanner, the user is shown on the display screen 132 what is visiblethrough the eyepiece 114 of the scope 104. However, the camera 118 is aninfrared camera, and is therefore operable in low light conditions toprovide an improved picture to that visible to the naked eye.Furthermore, in very low light conditions, the illuminator 136 isactivated via the photo cell discussed above thus causing infrared lightto be emitted, which provides an improved image to the camera (becausethe camera is able to detect the emitted infrared light). Depending onthe ambient light conditions, the cover 138 may be raised or loweredthereby allowing light to exit only by the aperture 139 or entirely byremoving the obstacle of the cover 138.

A viewing apparatus according to the present invention has the advantagethat it allows a user to view where the rifle is aimed without the needto look down the rifle scope. Furthermore, because the camera isinfrared, the device can operate in low light conditions. The provisionof an infrared illuminator provides for a yet further advantage in thatthe viewing device can be used in conditions of very low ambient light.

A further particular advantage of the viewing apparatus of the presentinvention is that it can be retrofitted to an existing rifle scope, thusa user can chose to add the viewing device to their existing scope whenrequired, or shoot without the device in other scenarios. Also, becausethe camera is arranged to view what a user would see through theeyepiece of the scope of display this view on a display unit, the systemhas the advantage that the user sees the reticule visible through thescope, which provides for improved accuracy in shooting. Also, theviewing apparatus has the advantage that it does not require a change tothe day set-up of a user's rifle scope.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown a hand held viewing device202 according to a further aspect of the present invention. The device202 comprises a housing 204 which comprises a screen 206 on a first face207 thereof and a camera 208 on a second face 209 thereof, the secondface 209 being substantially opposite the first face 207. The screen isoperable to produce an image detected by the camera.

As shown in FIG. 5, surrounding the camera 208 are a number of infraredbulbs 210. Extending downward from the housing 204 is a handle 212.

In use, a user holds the device 202 by gripping the handle 212. The userthen points the camera 208 at an area to be viewed, thereby causing animage of the area to be displayed on the screen 206. The infrared bulbs210 may illuminate the area to be viewed infrared light, which is notperceptible to the human eye, but which can be detected by the camera208 and shown on the screen 206. This allows an area to be viewed by auser without alerting the target. This is useful when spotting targets,for example vermin, if accompanying a rifle holder. Alternatively, sucha device is useful in the security industry where it can be used toallow a user to see into dark areas, without illuminating the areas in away that is perceptible to the human eye.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filedconcurrently with or previous to this specification in connection withthis application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A viewing apparatus for a rifle scope, the viewingapparatus comprising a camera unit having a camera and attachment meansoperable to attach the camera unit to the rifle scope such that thecamera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of the rifle scope,the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image to whichit is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transferthe image data from the camera to a display unit, the display unitcomprising display means being arranged and operable to display theimage data received from the camera unit, the display unit furthercomprising attachment means operable to attach the display unit to therifle scope.
 26. The viewing apparatus for the rifle scope according toclaim 25, wherein the attachment means of the camera unit is operable toattach the camera unit over the eyepiece of a rifle scope.
 27. Theviewing apparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 25, wherein theattachment means of the camera unit comprises a gaiter operable to fitover the eyepiece of the rifle scope.
 28. The viewing apparatus for therifle scope according to claim 25, wherein the camera unit comprises ahousing unit in which the camera is housed.
 29. The viewing apparatusfor the rifle scope according to claim 25, wherein the camera unit isarranged and operable to fit over the eyepiece of the rifle scope suchthat the camera is aimed down a tube of the rifle scope.
 30. The viewingapparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 25, wherein the camerais an infrared camera.
 31. The viewing apparatus for the rifle scopeaccording to claim 25, wherein the camera is arranged and operable torelay the image detected at the eyepiece of the rifle scope to thedisplay unit.
 32. The viewing apparatus for the rifle scope according toclaim 25, wherein the camera is operable to generate dynamic image data.33. The viewing apparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 25,wherein the display unit comprises a screen.
 34. The viewing apparatusfor the rifle scope according to claim 25, wherein the attachment meansof the display unit attaches the display unit above a scope tube of therifle scope towards an end thereof distal to an eyepiece.
 35. Theviewing apparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 25, furthercomprising illumination means for emitting light.
 36. The viewingapparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 35, wherein theillumination means comprises infrared illumination means.
 37. Theviewing apparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 36, wherein theillumination means is integral with the display unit.
 38. The viewingapparatus for the rifle scope according to claim 25, further comprisinga power supply operable to supply power to at least one of the cameraunit and the display unit.
 39. A rifle scope assembly comprising a riflescope having a scope tube comprising an eyepiece, the assembly furthercomprising a viewing apparatus having a camera unit comprising a camera,the camera unit being attached to the rifle scope via attachment meanssuch that the camera is exposed to an image visible at the eyepiece ofthe rifle scope, the camera being adapted to generate image data fromthe image, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer theimage data from the camera to a display unit, the display unit beingattached to the rifle scope via attachment means, the display unitcomprising display means being arranged and operable to display theimage data received from the camera unit.
 40. A method of shooting arifle comprising using image data displayed on display means of adisplay unit, the display unit being attached to a rifle scope viaattachment means, the image data being transferred to the display unitfrom a camera unit, the camera unit comprising a camera, the camera unitbeing attached to the rifle scope via attachment means such that thecamera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of the rifle scope,the image data being generated by the camera.
 41. A viewing apparatuskit comprising a camera unit having a camera and attachment means, theattachment means being operable to attach the camera unit to a riflescope such that the camera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepieceof the rifle scope; the kit further comprising a display unit comprisingdisplay means and attachment means operable to attach the display unitto the rifle scope.
 42. A rifle comprising: a rifle scope; and a viewingapparatus fitted to the rifle scope, the viewing apparatus comprising acamera unit having a camera and attachment means operable to attach thecamera unit to the rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to animage visible at an eyepiece of the rifle scope, the camera beingadapted to generate image data from the image to which it is exposed,the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image datafrom the camera to a display unit, the display unit comprising displaymeans being arranged and operable to display the image data receivedfrom the camera unit, the display unit further comprising attachmentmeans operable to attach the display unit to the rifle scope.
 43. Arifle comprising: a rifle scope assembly comprising a rifle scope havinga scope tube comprising an eyepiece, the assembly further comprising aviewing apparatus having a camera unit comprising a camera, the cameraunit being attached to the rifle scope via attachment means such thatthe camera is exposed to an image visible at the eyepiece of the riflescope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image,the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image datafrom the camera to a display unit, the display unit being attached tothe rifle scope via attachment means, the display unit comprisingdisplay means being arranged and operable to display the image datareceived from the camera unit.
 44. A hand held viewing device comprisinga housing, the housing comprising a camera unit, a display unit andinfrared illumination means, the display unit being operable to displayimage data detected by the camera unit, the device further comprising ahandle to allow the device to be hand held.